V 

JUL  19  1932 


9> 

THE  V<V 


€fyti®tim%  ffip&mimv. 


Vol.  IV.]        July  and  August,  1827.        [No.  IV. 


against  .1  riotous,  licentious  and  profane  use  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  in  which 
the  Corinthian-;  had  been  guilty  of  excess,  and  even  of  intemperance.  It  be- 
longs, therefore,  to  the  Corinthian  church,  and  to  no  other,  until,  indeed, 
another  shall  he  found  which  is  guilty  of  the  same  Sacrilege.'     pp.  11,  12. 

We  recommend  these  discourses  as  throwing  much  light  upon 
the  sacred  pages,  and  tending  to  the  correction  of  many  popular, 
but  mischievous  errors. 


HutcUtsettce. 

Dr  Beecher  and  Mr  Benton's  Convention  on  Revivals. — We 

republish  the  following  document  without  hope  that  it  will  afford 
gratification  to  any  of  our  readers.  We  should  be  sorry  to  be- 
lieve it  would.  But  though  a  most  melancholy,  it  is  a  most  in- 
structive display  of  the  state  of  religious  character  in  a  portion 
of  our  community.  On  this  account  it  deserves  to  be  read  at- 
tentively. 

In  order  fully  to  understand  it,  we  must  recollect  that  the  Rev. 
Mr  Beman  was  a  leader  in  those  exhibitions  of  hypocrisy,  pro- 
faneness,  and  folly,  which  lately  occurred  in  the  western  part  of 
New  York,  and  were  called  a  '  revival  of  religion.'  Of  these  we 
gave  some  account  in  our  last  number.  Others  interested  in  pro- 
ducing '  revivals  of  religion,'  were  alarmed  lest  the  indecencies 
and  wickedness  displayed  in  these  should  bring  odium  upon  the 
whole  system  of  proceedings  which  they  were  endeavouring  to 
organize.  The  Rev.  Dr  Beecher  of  this  town  wrote,  in  conse- 
quence, the  noted  letter  concerning  the  Rev.  Mr  Beman's  revival, 
which  we  presume  most  of  our  readers  have  seen.  A  schism, 
accordingly,  took  place ;  and  the  two  parties  met  in  the  Conven- 
tion, the  account  of  whose  proceedings  we  are  about  to  copy.  It 
was  called,  as  will  be  perceived,  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Beecher  and  the 
Rev.  Mr  Beman,  conjointly.  To  one  acquainted  with  the  trans- 
actions which  previously  occurred,  it  will  be  obvious  that  most  of 
the  motions  made  were  only  concealed  attacks  of  the  two  parties 
upon  each  other.     And  all  this  was  mixed  up  with  '  seasons  of 


358  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

prayer,'  '  interspersed  with  singing,'  and  preceded  by  a  vote  ! 
'  that  the  brethren  present  should  be  requested  to  spend  as  much 
of  their  time  as  may  be  convenient,  in  special  prayer  for  the  di- 
vine blessing  on  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting.'  The  docu- 
ment was  first  published  in  a  newspaper  called  the  New  York 
Observer,  for  August  4th.  We  retain  the  prefatory  remarks  of 
the  editor  of  that  paper,  which  are  every  way  worthy  to  intro- 
duce it. 

<  IMPORTANT  CONVENTION.' 

'  It  is  generally  known  to  the  christian  public,  that  a  Conven- 
tion of  Presbyterian  and  Congregational  ministers  have  been 
several  days  in  session  at  New  Lebanon,  to  consult  on  certain 
differences  of  opinion  which  were  supposed  to  exist  among  them- 
selves and  their  brethren,  in  respect  to  revivals  of  religion.  Not 
that  any  doubted  the  reality  and  unspeakable  importance  of  these 
refreshings,  or  had  ceased  to  pray  that  they  might  become  coex- 
tensive with  the  earth ;  for  here,  let  the  enemy  know,  there  has 
been,  and  is,  a  perfect  unanimity.  Indeed,  it  is  on  account  of 
this  strong  feeling  in  favor  of  revivals,  that  so  tender  an  anxiety 
has  been  awakened  to  preserve  them  from  all  extravagances. 

1  When  the  project  of  such  a  Convention  was  first  rumored, 
there  were  many  who  prophesied  evil  rather  than  good  from  its 
deliberations ;  because,  they  said,  it  would  be  perfectly  easy,  by 
inviting  men  of  a  particular  stamp,  to  make  its  results  just  what 
the  projectors  might  please.  Concerning  this  we  remark,  in  the 
first  place,  that  no  such  partiality  appears  to  have  been  observed 
in  selecting  the  members, — and  secondly,  that  though  this  were 
the  case,  still  the  meeting  would  have  accomplished  one  import- 
ant good,  by  showing  to  the  public  what  are  the  real  sentiments 
of  this  and  that  man,  this  and  that  party,  if  such  they  may  be 
called,  on  the  points  in  dispute.  But  we  trust  other  benefits  will 
result  from  the  measure  ;  and  that  the  spirit  of  christian  tender- 
ness and  supplication,  which  seems  to  have  pervaded  the  meet- 
ing, will  be  diffused  through  all  our  congregations,  allaying  every 
improper  excitement,  and  preparing  them  for  new  blessings  from 

the  overflowing  Fountain  of  Mercy.' 

<  New  Lebanon,  July  18,  1827. 

'  At  a  Convention  of  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  assembled  at  the 
house  of  Mr  Betts,  by  letters  of  invitation  from  Mr  Beman  and 
Dr  Beecher,  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey,  D.  D.  was  chosen  Moder- 
ator ;  and  Rev.  William  R.  Weeks  and  Rev.  Henry  Smith, 
Scribes. 

'  The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Moderator. 

*  After  some  conversation  respecting  the  list  of  persons  who  had 
been  originally  agreed  upon  to  compose  this  meeting,  voted  to 
have  a  recess,  till  half  past  two  o'clock. 

'  After  recess,  met  and  proceeded  to  business. 


Intelligence, — fit  rivals.  359 


■B 


'Of  the  brethren  who  were  considered  as  duly  invited,  there 
were  present,  Rev.  Asahel  S.  Norton,  1).  1).  of  Clinton,  V  N .  Ly- 
man Beecher,  D.  D.  Boston,  Mass.  Moses  Gillet,  Rome,  N.  ^ 
Nathan  IS.  S.  Beman.  Troy,  X.  V.  Duck  ('.  Lansing,  I).  I).  Au- 
burn, N.  V.  Neman  Humphrey,  D.  D.  Amherst  College,  Mass. 
John  L'rost,  Whitesborough,  N.  Y.  Asahel  Nettleton,  Connecti- 
cut, William  R.  Weeks,  Paris,  N.  Y.  Justin  Edwards,  Andover, 
Mass.  Henry  Smith,  Camden,  N.  Y.  and  Charles  G.  Finney, 
Oneida  Co  N.  Y.  Absent]  Re?.  David  Porter,  I),  i).  Catskill,  N. 

Y.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.  D.  Lee,  Mass.  Samuel  Tomb,  Salem,  N. 
Y.  Joel  T.  Benedict,  Chatham,  N.  Y.  Eliphalel  Nott,D.D.  Union 
College,  N.  Y.  Thomas  McAuley,  D.  D.  New  fork,  Gardiner 
Spring,  D.  D.  New  York,  James  Patterson,  Philadelphia,  Henry 
R.  Weed,  Alhany,N.  Y.  Samuel  C.  Aikin,Utica,  N.  Y.  Thomas 
II.  Skinner,  D.  D.  Philadelphia,  and  Edwin  Dwight,  Richmond, 
Mass. 

'  The  Rev.  Caleb  J.  Tenney,  of  Wethersfield,  and  the  Rev. 
Joel  Hawes,  of  Hartford,  Conn,  being  present  by  invitation  from 
Dr  Beecher,  the  Rev.  George  W.  Gale,  of  the  Oneida  Academy, 
N.  Y.  being  present  by  invitation  from  Mr  Frost,  and  the  Rev. 
Silas  Churchill,  minister  of  the  place,  it  was  voted  that  they  be  in- 
vited to  take  a  seat  as  members  of  this  Convention. 

'  The  Convention  united  in  a  season  of  prayer,  interspersed 
with  singing. 

'  Voted,  that  those  of  our  brethren  who  are  in  the  place,  be  re- 
quested to  spend  as  much  of  their  time  as  may  be  convenient,  in 
special  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing  on  the  deliberations  of  this 
meeting. 

1  After  the  brethren  who  had  called  the  meeting,  had  made  an 
exposition  of  its  origin,  it  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  we  pro- 
ceed to  see  in  what  respects  there  is  an  agreement  between 
brethren  from  different  sections  of  the  country,  in  regard  to  prin- 
ciples and  measures  in  conducting  and  promoting  revivals  of  reli- 
gion ;  which  motion  was  under  discussion  till  seven  o'clock,  when 
the  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning,  at.  eight 
o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

'  Thursday  Morning,  July  19. — Met  according  to  adjournment, 
and  opened  with  prayer.  Present  the  same  as  yesterday,  with  the 
addition  of  the  Rev.  Mr  Aikin. 

'  The  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read. 

1  The  motion  under  discussion  yesterday  was  taken  up,  and  af- 
ter further  discussion,  it  was  carried,  fourteen  voting  in  the  af- 
firmative, one  in  the  negative,  and  two  declining  to  vote,  as  fol- 
lows :  For  the  affirmative.  Moms.  Norton,  Beecher,  Churchill, 
Gillet,  Tenney,  Lansing,  Humphrey,  Nettleton,  Hawes,  Weeks 
Gale,  Edwards,  Smith,  and  Finney.  For  the  Jiegatice,  Mr  Be- 
man.    Declined  voting,  Messrs.  Frost  and  Aikin. 


360  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

1  Mr  Frost  entered  the  following  as  his  reason  for  declining 
to  vote  ;  "  That  he  understood  the  object  of  the  meeting  to  be,  to 
correct  misapprehensions,  and  restore  peace  among  brethren." 

'  The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  attend  to  the  subject  pro- 
posed :  and  on  motion  of  Mr  Edwards,  the  following  propositions 
were  agreed  to : 

1 "  That  revivals  of  true  religion  are  the  work  of  God's  spirit,  by 
which,  in  a  comparatively  short  period  of  time,  many  persons  are 
convinced  of  sin,  and  brought  to  the  exercise  of  repentance  to- 
wards God  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.1' — Voted  in  the  af- 
firmative unanimously. 

*  "  That  the  preservation  and  extension  of  true  religion  in  our 
land  have  been  much  promoted  by  these  revivals." — Voted  unani- 
mously. 

' "  That  according  to  the  bible,  and  the  indications  of  Provi- 
dence, greater  and  more  glorious  revivals  are  to  be  expected, 
than  have  ever  yet  existed." — Voted  unanimously. 

' "  That,  though  revivals  of  religion  are  the  work  of  God's 
spirit,  they  are  produced  by  means  of  divine  truth  and  human  in- 
strumentality, and  are  liable  to  be  advanced  or  hindered  by  mea- 
sures which  are  adopted  in  conducting  them.  The  idea  that 
God  ordinarily  works  independently  of  human  instrumentality,  or 
without  any  reference  to  the  adaptation  of  means  to  ends,  is  un- 
scriptural." — Voted  unanimously. 

1  "  There  may  be  some  variety  in  the  mode  of  conducting  re- 
vivals, according  to  local  customs,  and  there  may  be  relative  im- 
perfections attending  them,  which  do  not  destroy  the  purity  of  the 
work  and  its  permanent  and  general  good  influence  upon  the 
church  and  the  world ;  and  in  such  cases,  good  men,  while  they 
lament  these  imperfections,  may  rejoice  in  the  revival  as  the  work 
of  God." — Voted  unanimously. 

1  Recess  till  three  o'clock.  Then  met,  and  resumed  the  consid- 
eration of  general  principles.  On  motion  of  Mr  Edwards  the 
following  propositions  were  agreed  to. 

'  "  There  may  be  so  much  human  infirmity,  and  indiscretion, 
and  wickedness  of  man,  in  conducting  a  revival  of  religion,  as  to 
render  the  general  evils  which  flow  from  this  infirmity,  indiscre- 
tion, and  wickedness  of  man,  greater  than  the  local  and  tempo- 
rary advantages  of  the  revival :  that  is,  this  infirmity,  indiscre- 
tion, and  wickedness  of  man,  may  be  the  means  of  preventing 
the  conversion  of  more  souls  than  may  have  been  converted  dur- 
ing the  revival." — Voted  unanimously. 

'  "  In  view  of  these  considerations,  we  regard  it  as  eminently 
important,  that  there  should  be  a  general  understanding  among 
ministers  and  churches,  in  respect  to  those  things  which  are  of  a 
dangerous  tendency,  and  are  not  to  be  countenanced." — Voted 
unanimously. 


Intelligence. — Revivals.  301 

'Mr  Edwards  then  introduced  the  following  proposition: 

'"In  social  meetings  of  men  and  women,  for  religious  wor- 
ship, females  are  not  to  pray."' 

'  Alter  Minic  discussion,  adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning, 
at  eight  o'clock.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

'  Friday,  .In hi  "JO. — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and  open- 
ed with  prayer. 

1  Present  the   same  as  yesterday.     The  minutes  of  yesterday 

read. 
4  The  consideration  of  the  proposition  under  discussion  yester- 
day, wa<  resumed.  After  further  discussion,  united  in  a  season 
of  prayer.  Then  attended  further  to  the  discussion  of  the  •sub- 
ject, till  one  o'clock,  and  adjourned  to  meet  at  half  past  two 
o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

*  Friday  Afternoon, — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer. 

1  The  consideration  of  the  proposition  which  had  been  under 
discussion,  was  resumed. 

*  It  was  moved  by  Mr  Aikin,and  seconded  by  Mr  Finney,  that 
the  further  consideration  of  the  proposition  be  postponed,  till  we 
shall  have  gone  into  an  inquiry  into  matters  of  fact 

'  After  some  discussion,  united  in  a  season  of  prayer. 

'After  further  discussion,  Mr  Aikin  asked  and  obtained  leave 
to  withdraw  his  motion  for  postponement,  and   it  was  withdrawn. 

'  The  Rev.  Mr  Weed  appeared  in  Convention,  and  took  his 
seat  as  a  member. 

'After  further  discussion,  the  question  was  taken,  and  nine  vot- 
ed m  favor  of  the  proposition,  and  nine  declined  voting  as  follows: 
For  the  proposition,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Tenney,  Hum- 
phrey, Nettleton,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards.  Declin- 
ed voting)  Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale, 
Aikin,  Smith,  and  Finney. 

'  It  was  moved  by  Mr  Frost,  and  seconded  by  Mr  Finney,  that 
the  following  question  be  answered,  to  wit: 

'  "  Is  it  right  for  a  woman  in  any  case  to  pray  in  the  presence  of 
a  man  V 

'  After  some  discussion,  it  was  moved  by  Mr  Edwards  that  the 
further  consideration  of  this  question  be  indefinitely  postponed. 
The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  Mr  Ed- 
ward- asked  and  obtained  leave  to  withdraw  his  motion,  and  it 
was  withdrawn. 

'  It  was  moved  by  Mr  Lansing,  that  the  further  consideration  of 
the  question  be  postponed,  for  the  purpose  of  introducing  a  sub- 
stitute, which  he  read.  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after 
discussion,  it  was  carried. 

vol.  iv. — no.  i\ .  4G 


362  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

'  Mr  Lansing  then  introduced  the  following  proposition,  as  a 
substitute  for  the  question  of  Mr  Frost,  to  wit : 

1  "  There  may  be  circumstances  in  which  it  may  be  proper  for 
a  female  to  pray  in  the  presence  of  men." 

1  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  discussion,  the  question 
was  taken,  and  eight  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposition,  and  ten 
declined  voting,  as  follows:  For  the  proposition,  Messrs  Church- 
ill, Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale,  Aikin,  and  Finney. 
Declined  voting,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Tenney,  Humphrey, 
Nettleton,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  Edwards,  and  Smith. 

'  Adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning,  at  eight  o'clock.  Con- 
cluded with  prayer. 

1  Saturday,  July  21. — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and  open- 
ed with  prayer.  Present  the  same  as  yesterday.  The  minutes 
of  yesterday  were  read. 

'  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition : 

' "  It  is  improper  for  any  person  to  appoint  meetings  in  the 
congregations  of  acknowledged  ministers  of  Christ,  or  to  intro- 
duce any  measures  to  promote  or  conduct  revivals  of  religion, 
without  first  having  obtained  the  approbation  of  said  ministers." 

1  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  considerable  discussion, 
the  question  was  taken,  and  thirteen  voted  in  favor  of  the  propo- 
sition, and  five  declined  voting,  as  follows  :  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Churchill,  Tenney,  Humphrey,  Nettle- 
ton,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  Gale,  Edwards,  Smith,  and  Finney. 
Declined  voting,  Messrs  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  and 
Aikin. 

'  Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
reason,  to  wit :  "  That  there  may  be  some  cases,  where  the  elders 
or  members  of  a  minister's  own  church  may  appoint  and  conduct 
prayer  meetings,  without  having  consulted  the  minister  or  obtain- 
ed his  approbation ;  but,  in  no  case  ought  such  elders  or  mem- 
bers to  appoint  or  conduct  such  meetings  contrary  to  the  will  of 
the  pastor ;  and  these  meetings  ought  to  be  occasional,  and  not 
stated." 

*  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

1  "  Those  meetings  for  social  religious  worship,  in  which  all 
speak  according  to  their  own  inclinations,  are  improper;  and  all 
meetings  for  religious  worship  ought  to  be  under  the  presiding 
influence  of  some  person  or  persons." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  discussion,  it  was  voted 
unanimously  in  the  aflirmitivc. 

'  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

1  "  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  prayer  ought  to  be  care- 
fully avoided." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  it  was 
moved  and  seconded  that  it  be  so  amended  as  to  read  as  follows  : 


intelligence, — Revival*. 

"  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  social  circles  tor   prayer 

ought  to  be  carefully  avoided."     This  amendment  did  not  pre- 
vail. 

•  Mr  Edwards  moved  that  the  proposition  be  so  amended  as  to 
read  as  follows  : 

'  •"  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  social  prayer  ought  to  bo 
carefully  avoided." 

'The  motion  was  seconded,  and  the  amendment  prevailed. 

'Mr  Lansing  then  moved  that  tin-  proposition  be  so  amended 

as  to  read  as  follows  : 

••  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  public  prayer  ought  to 
be  carefully  avoided." 

1  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  the 
question  was  put  by  lifting  the  hands,  and  nine  were  counted  in 
favor  of  the  amendment,  and  eight  against  it;  upon  which  the 
.Moderator  declared  it  not  a  vote,  being  understood  to  vote  against 
it.  It  was  questioned  whether  it  was  usual  for  the  Moderator  to 
vote  in  such  cases;  upon  which  he  declined  voting,  and  declar- 
ed the  amendment  carried. 

'  After  some  remarks,  it  was  moved,  that  it  is  the  sense  of  this 
body  that  the  Moderator  has  a  right  to  vote,  in  all  cases  before 
us,  as  any  other  member.     The  motion  was  seconded  and  carried. 

'It  was  then  agreed  to  take  the  question  on  Mr  Lansing's 
amendment  over  again,  by  ayes  and  noes,  when  the  amendment 
prevailed,  tin  voting  in  the  affirmative,  seven  in  the  negative,  and 
mi,  declining  to  vote,  as  follows:  For  the  affirmative,  Messrs 
Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Weed,  Gale,  Aikin, 
Smith,  and  Finney.  /%/•  the  negative,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher, 
Tenney,  Ncttlcton,  Hawes,  Weeks,  and  Edwards.  Declined 
voting,  Mr  Humphrey. 

'The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  proposition,  as  amended, 
and  all  voted  in  favor  of  it,  except  that  .Mr  Edwards  declined 
voting,  and  Mr  Nettleton  was  absent. 

'Mr  Edwards  again  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

'  "  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  social  prayer  ought  to  be 
Carefully  avoided."' 

'The  motion  was  seconded,  and  the  question  being  taken, 
eight  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposition,  and  nine  declined  voting, 
as  follows :  For  the  proposition,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Ten- 
ney, Humphrey,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards'.  Declin- 
ed voting,  Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale, 
Aikin,  Smith,  and  Finney.     Ali<<nt,  .Mr  Nettleton. 

•  Mr  Beman  introduced  the  following   proposition  : 

'"The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  prayer  may  take  plao  in 
small  social  circle-.' 


364  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

1  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  it  was 
moved  and  seconded  that  the  proposition  be  so  amended  as  to 
read  as  follows : 

1  "  The  calling  of  persons  by  name  in  prayer  may  take  place 
in  small  social  circles ;  but  in  all  cases  ought  to  be  practised 
with  great  caution  and  tenderness." 

'  The  amendment  prevailed. 

'  After  further  discussion  of  the  proposition  as  amended,  ad- 
journed to  meet  on  Monday  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

1  Monday,  July  23. — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and  open- 
ed with  prayer.     Present  the  same  as  before. 

*  The  minutes  of  last  week  were  read  and  corrected. 

*  The  proposition  under  discussion  on  Saturday  was  taken  up. 
After  further  discussion,  Mr  Beman  asked  and  obtained  leave 
to  withdraw  it,  and  it  was  withdrawn. 

'  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition : 
'  "  Audible  groaning,  violent  gestures,  and  boisterous  tones,  in 
prayer,  are  improper." 

*  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  Dr 
Beecher  moved  an  amendment,  inserting  the  words  "  and  unusu- 
al postures,"  which  motion  was  seconded,  and  the  amendment 
prevailed.  After  further  discussion,  those  words  were  struck 
out. 

'  Adjourned  to  meet  at  half  past  two  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

'  Monday  Afternoon. — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer. 

'  After  further  discussion,  Mr  Lansing  moved  to  amend  the 
proposition,  so  that  it  read  as  follows  : 

'  "  Audible  groaning  in  prayer  is  improper." 

*  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  Mr 
Beman  moved  the  postponement  of  the  motion  under  considera- 
tion, for  the  purpose  of  introducing  a  substitute,  which  he  read. 
The  motion  was  seconded,  and  carried. 

'  Mr  Lansing  then  proposed  the  substitute  offered  by  Mr  Be- 
man, as  follows : 

1  "Audible  groaning  in  prayer,  is,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  to  be 
discouraged  ;  and  violent  gestures,  and  boisterous  tones,  in  the 
same  exercise,  are  improper." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  the  question  being  taken, 
fourteen  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposition,  and  three  declined  vot- 
ing, as  follows:  For  the  proposition,  Messrs  Beecher,  Churchill, 
Gillet,  Beman,  Tenney,  Lansing,  Humphrey,  Frost,  Weed,  Gale, 
Aikin,  Edwards,  Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting,  Messrs 
Norton,  Hawes,  and  Weeks.     Absent,  Mr  Nettleton. 

'  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 


Intelligi  nrr. — Revivals.  365 


■£J 


'"Speaking  against  ministers  <>i*  the  Lord  Jesua  Clirist,  in 
regular  Btanding,  as  cold,  stupid,  or  dead,  as  unconverted,  or 
enemies  to  revivals  of  religion,  is  improper." 

•  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  alter  some  remarks,  Mr  He- 
man  moved  to  amend  the  proposition,  so  that  it  read  as  follows: 

'"Speaking  against  ministers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in 
regular  Btanding,  as  cold,  stupid,  or  dead,  as  unconverted,  or 
enemies  to  re\  nals,  as   heretics,  or  enthusiasts,  or  disorganizers, 

as  deranged  or  mad,  is  improper." 

4  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  tin1  amendment  prevailed. 

"  Mr  Edwards  then  moved  to  strike  out  all  the  epithets,  so  that 
it  read  as  follows  : 

'  "  Speaking  against  ministers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Clirist,  in 
regular  standing,  is  improper." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  discussion,  it  was  lost. 

'  The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  proposition  as  amended, 
and  all  voted  in  favor  of  it,  except  that  Mr  Edwards  declined  vot- 
ing, and  Mr  Nettleton  was  absent 

1  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

'"  To  receive  persons  as  converted,  merely  on  the  ground  of 
their  own  judgment,  without  opportunity  for  examination,  and 
time  to  afford  evidence  of  real  conversion,  is  improper." 

1  The  motion  was  seconded;  and  after  discussion,  the  mover 
asked  and  obtained  leave  to  withdraw  the  same,  and  it  was  with- 
drawn. 

'  Mr  Lansing  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

'  "  The  writing  of  letters  to  individuals  in  the  congregations  of 
acknowledged  ministers,  complaining  of  measures  supposed  to 
have  been  employed  in  revivals  of  religion,  being  calculated  to 
impair  the  confidence  of  the  members  of  such  congregations  in 
their  ministers,  and  to  encourage  the  wicked  to  oppose,  ought  to 
be  carefully  avoided." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  the 
mover  asked  leave  to  withdraw  the  proposition  for  the  present,. 
with  the  understanding  that  it  shall  come  up  hereafter.  Leave 
was  granted  accordingly,  and  it  was  withdrawn. 

1  Adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning,  at  eight  o'clock. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

'  Tuesday,  July  24. — Met  according  to  adjournment,  and  open- 
ed with  prayer. 

'  Present  the  same  as  yesterday,  except  Mr  Nettleton.  The 
minutes  of  yesterday  were  read. 

'Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

1  "  The  existence  in  the  churches  of  evangelists,  in  such  num- 
bers as  to  constitute  an  influence  in  the  community,  separate 
from  that  of  the  settled  pastors,  and  the  introduction,  by  evange- 
lists, of  measures,  without  cousulting  the  pastors,  or  contrary  to 


3GG  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

their  judgment  and  wishes,  by  an  excitement  of  popular  feeling 
which  may  seem  to  render  acquiescence  unavoidable,  is  to  be 
carefully  guarded  against,  as  an  evil  which  is  calculated,  or  at 
least  liable,  to  destroy  the  institution  of  a  settled  ministry,  and 
fill  the  churches  with  confusion  and  disorder." 

1  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  the 
Convention  united  in  a  season  of  prayer. 

1  After  further  discussion,  the  question  was  taken,  and  all  voted 
in  favor  of  the  proposition,  except  Mr  Churchill,  who  was  absent. 

'  Mr  Edwards  introduced  the  following  proposition  : 

'  "  Language  adapted  to  irritate,  on  account  of  its  manifest 
personality,  such  as  describing  the  character,  designating  the 
place,  or  any  thing  which  will  point  out  an  individual  or  individ- 
uals before  the  assembly,  as  the  subjects  of  invidious  remark,  is, 
in  public  prayer  and  preaching,  to  be  avoided." 

'  The  motion  was  seconded,  and  after  some  discussion,  Mr 
Lansing  moved  to  amend  the  proposition,  by  striking  out  the 
words,  "on  account  of  its  manifest  personality,  such  as,"  which 
motion  was  seconded,  and  after  discussion,  was  lost. 

'  After  further  discussion,  the  question  was  taken  and  twelve 
voted  in  favor  of  the  proposition,  and  five  declined  voting,  as  fol- 
lows :  For  the  proposition,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Churchill, 
Gillet,  Tenney,  Humphrey,  Frost,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  Ed- 
wards, and  Smith.  Declined  voting,  Messrs  Beman,  Lansing, 
Gale,  Aikin,  and  Finney. 

'  Messrs  Lansing  and  Aikin  entered  the  following,  as  their  rea- 
son ;  "  The  undersigned  do  decline  voting  on  the  foregoing  par- 
ticular, not  because  they  do  not  most  unequivocally  condemn 
such  personality  in  preaching  as  makes  an  invidious  exposure  of 
individuals,  but  because  they  suppose  that  the  article  in  question 
may  be  liable  to  such  construction,  as  to  lead  many  to  say,  that 
such  characteristic  preaching  is  condemned  by  this  Convention, 
as  is  adapted  to  make  sinners  suppose  that  their  individual  case 
is  intended.      D.  C.  Lansing,  &  C.  Aikin. 

*  On  motion  of  Mr  Edwards,  the  following  propositions  were 
agreed  to  : 

'  "  All  irreverent  familiarity  with  God,  such  as  men  use  to- 
wards their  equals,  or  which  would  not  be  proper  for  an  affec- 
tionate child  to  use  towards  a  worthy  parent,  is  to  be  avoided." — 
Voted  unanimously. 

' "  From  the  temporary  success  of  uneducated  and  ardent 
young  men,  to  make  invidious  comparisons  between  them  and 
settled  pastors  ;  to  depreciate  the  value  of  education,  or  introduce 
young  men  as  preachers  without  the  usual  qualifications,  is  in- 
correct and  unsafe." — Voted  unanimously. 

"  To  state  things  which  are  not  true,  or  not  supported  by  evi- 
dence, for  the  purpose  of  awakening  sinners,  or  to  represent 


Intelligence. — /»<  rivals.  361 


'G 


their  condition   a>   more   hopeless   than    it  really  is,  is  wrong." — 
Voted  unanimously. 

, ' "  Unkindnesa  and  disrespect  to  superiors  in  age' or  station,  is 
to  be  carefully  avoided." — Voted  unanimously. 

•  •■  In  promoting  and  conducting  revivals  of  religion,  it  is  un- 
safe, and  of  dangerous  tendency,  to  connive  at  acknowledged 
errors,    through    fear   that    enemies  will   take  advantage  from  our 

attempt  to  correct  them.'" — Voted  unanimously. 

•  •■  The  immediate  success  of  any  measure,  without  regard  to 
its  scriptural  character,  or  its  future  and  permanent  consequen- 

does  not  justify  that  measure,  or  prove  it  to  be  right." — Vot- 
ed unanimously. 

"  Great  care  should  be  taken  to  discriminate  between  holy  and 

unholy  affections,  and  to  exhibit  with  clearness  the  scriptural  evi- 
dences of  tine  religion." — Voted  unanimously. 

'  "No  measures  are  to  be  adopted  in  promoting  and  conduct- 
ing revivals  of  religion,  which  those,  who  adopt  them  are  unwill- 
ing to  have  published,  or  which  are  not  proper  to  be  published  to 

the  world.*' — Voted  unanimously. 

'  Adjourned  to  meet  at  half  past  two  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

•  Tuesday  Afternoon. — .Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer.      The  minutes  of  the  morning  were  read. 

•  Mr  Beman  introduced   the  following  proposition,  to  wit: 

'  "As  human  instrumentality  must  be  employed  in  promoting 
revivals  of  religion,  some  things  undesirable  may  be  expected  to 
accompany  them  ;  and  as  these  things  are  often  proclaimed  abroad 
and  magnified,  great  caution  should  be  exercised  in  listening  to 
unfavorable  reports." 

'The  question  being  taken,  eleven  voted  in  favor  of  the  pro- 
position, and  six  declined  voting,  as  follows  :  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Humphrey,  Frost, 
llawes,  Gale,  Aikin,  Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting, 
Messrs  Norton,  Beeeher,  Tenney,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 

'Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
reason,  to  wit :  "  As  the  above  does  not  appear  to  us  to  be,  in  the 
course  of  Divine  Providence,  called  for,  we  therefore  decline  to 
act." 

•  Mr  Beman  introduced  the  following  proposition,  to  wit : 

'"  Although  revivals  of  religion  may  be  so  improperly  conducted, 
i  be  attended  with  disastrous  consequences  to  the  church  and 
the  souls  of  men  :   yet,  it   is  also  true,  that  the  best  conducted  re- 
vivals are  liable  to  be  stigmatized  and  opposed  by  lukewarm  pro- 
fessors  and  the  enemies  of  evangelical  truth." 

'  The  question  being  taken,  eleven  voted  in  favor  of  the  propo- 
sition, and  six  declined  voting,  as  follows :  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs   Churchill,   Gillet,   Beman,  Lansing,  Humphrey,  Frost, 


3G8  Intelligence. — Revivals. 

Hawes,  Gale,  Aikin,  Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting, 
Messrs  Norton,  Beecher,  Tenney,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 

'  Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their  rea- 
son, to  wit :  "  As  the  above  does  not  appear  to  us  to  be,  in  the 
course  of  Divine  Providence,  called  for,  we  therefore  decline  to 
act." 

*  Mr  Beman  introduced  the  following  proposition,  to  wit : 

* "  Attempts  to  remedy  evils  existing  in  revivals  of  religion, 
may,  through  the  infirmity  and  indiscretion  and  wickedness  of 
man,  do  more  injury,  and  ruin  more  souls,  than  those  evils  which 
such  attempts  are  intended  to  correct." 

'  The  question  being  taken,  nine  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposi- 
tion, and  eight  declined  voting,  as  follows  :  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale,  Aikin, 
Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting,  Messrs.  Norton,  Beecher, 
Tenney,  Humphrey,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 

'  Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
reason,  to  wit :  "  As  the  above  does  not  appear  to  us  to  be,  in  the 
course  of  Divine  Providence,  called  for,  we  therefore  decline  to 
act." 

'  Mr  Beman  introduced  the  following  proposition,  to  wit : 

'  "  In  public  meetings  for  religious  worship,  composed  of  men 
and  women,  females  are  not  to  pray." 

.  '  The  question  being  taken,  nine  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposi- 
tion, and  eight  declined  voting,  as  follows  :  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale,  Aikin, 
Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher, 
Tenney,  Humphrey,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 

'  Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
reason,  to  wit :  "  As  we  have  expressed  our  views  on  this  subject 
in  a  previous  proposition,  we  therefore  decline  to  act." 

'  Mr.  Lansing  introduced  the  following  proposition,  to  wit : 

1 "  The  writing  of  letters  to  individuals  in  the  congregations  of 
acknowledged  ministers,  or  circulating  letters  which  have  been 
written  by  others,  complaining  of  measures  which  may  have  been 
employed  in  revivals  of  religion ;  or  visiting  the  congregations  of 
such  ministers,  and  conferring  with  opposers,  without  conversing 
with  the  ministers  of  such  places,  aud  speaking  against  measures 
which  have  been  adopted  ;  or  for  ministers  residing  in  the  con- 
gregations of  settled  pastors  to  pursue  the  same  course  ;  thus 
strengthening  the  hands  of  the  wicked,  and  weakening  the  hands 
of  settled  pastors,  are  breaches  of  christian  charity,  and  ought 
to  be  carefully  avoided." 

1  The  question  being  taken,  nine  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposi- 
tion, and  eight  declined  voting,  as  follows:  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Frost,  Gale,  Aikin, 


Intelligence, — Revivals.  3C0 

Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting,  Messrs  Norton,  Beecher, 
Tcnney,  Humphrey,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 
1  Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
in,  to  H  it  :  "  As  the  above  does  not  appear  to  us  to  be  called 
tor,  and  is,  in  our  new,  liable  to  great  misapprehension  and  abuse, 
and  may  n<>t  be,  in  all  respects,  correct,  we  therefore  decline  to 
act  :  there  being  cases  when  n  is  the  duty  of  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel freely  to  communicate,  by  letter  or  otherwise,  with  one  ano- 
ther, and  with  private  Christians,  n\u\  give  notice  of  approach ing 
danger  ;  to  do  which,  they  are  bound  by  their  office,  and  the  im- 
propriety of  neglecting  it  is  in  proportion  to  the  magnitude  of  the 
interests  involved." 

'  .Mr  Beman  introduced  the  following  proposition,  to  wit: 
'"In  preaching  the  gospel,  language  ought  not  to  be  employed 
with  the  intention  of  irritating  or  giving  offence  ;  but  that  preach- 
ing is  not  the  best  adapted  to  do  good  and   save  souls,  which  the 
hearer  docs  not  perceive  to  be  applicable  to  his  own  character." 

*  The  question  being  taken,  ten  voted  in  favor  of  the  proposi- 
tion, and  seven  declined  voting,  as  follows:  For  the  proposition, 
Messrs  Churchill,  Gillet,  Beman,  Lansing,  Humphrey,  Frost, 
Gale,  Aikin,  Smith,  and  Finney.  Declined  voting,  .Messrs  Nor- 
ton, Beecher,  Tenney,  Hawes,  Weeks,  Weed,  and  Edwards. 

'Those  who  declined  voting,  entered  the  following  as  their 
reason,  to  wit :  "  As  the  above  does  not  appear  to  us  to  be,  in 
the  course  of  Divine  Providence,  called  for,  we  therefore  decline 
to  act." 

'  On  motion  of  Mr  Frost,  the  following  propositions  were 
agreed  to: 

'  "  Evening  meetings  continued  to  an  unseasonable  hour,  ought 
to  be  studiously  avoided/' — Voted  unanimously. 

'"In  accounts  of  revivals  of  religion,  great  care  should  be 
taken  thai  they  be  not  exaggerated." — Voted  unanimously. 

'The  Convention  united  in  a  season  of  prayer,  and  then  at- 
tended to  the  reading  of  sundry  documents,  till  half  past  six 
o'clock,  and  had  a  recess  till  eight  o'clock. 

1  After  recess,  met,  and  had  a  season  of  tree  conversation  ;  and 
then  adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  at  eight  o'clock.  Con- 
cluded with  prayer. 

•  Wednesday ,  July  25.  Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer.  Present  the  same  number  as  before.  The 
minutes  of  yesterday  were  read. 

'  Attended  further  to  free  conversation  on  the  documents  of 
yesterday. 

'  It  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  we  proceed  to  the  reading  of 
other  documents,  without  further  conversation  on  those  which 
have  been  read. 

vol.  iv. — no.  i\ .  47 


370  Intelligence. —  Theological  School. 

'  The  Rev.  Mr  Benedict  appeared  in  Convention,  and  took  his 
seat  as  a  member. 

1  After  some  discussion,  united  in  a  season  of  prayer. 

*  After  further  discussion,  the  question  was  put,  and  the  mo- 
tion was  lost. 

'  Attended  further  to  free  conversation  on  the  documents  of  yes- 
terday, till  one  o'clock,  and  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  half  past 
two  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1  Wednesday  Afternoon.  Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer. 

'  Attended  further  to  free  conversation  on  the  documents  pre- 
viously read,  and  to  the  reading  of  some  others. 

'  Recess  till  eight  o'clock. 

'  After  recess,  met,  and  attended  to  the  reading  of  other  docu- 
ments. Adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  at  eight  o'clock. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

1  Thursday,  July  26.  Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer.  Present  the  same  as  before.  The  minutes 
of  yesterday  were  read. 

1  Attended  further  to  the  reading  of  documents.  United  in  a 
season  of  prayer. 

1  Attended  further  to  free  conversation  on  the  documents.  Ad- 
journed to  meet  at  half  past  2  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

'  Thursday  Afternoon.  Met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
opened  with  prayer. 

'  Attended  further  to  free  conversation. 

1  Recess  till  eight  o'clock. 

'After  recess,  met,  and  attended  further  to  free  conversation. 

1  After  which  it  was  voted  that  the  minutes  of  this  Convention 
be  forwarded  to  the  Editors  of  the  New  York  Observer,  for  in- 
sertion in  their  paper. 

'  Voted,  that  the  Rev.  Mr  Churchill   express  to  the  people  of 
New  Lebanon  our  grateful  sense  of  their  kindness  and  hospitali- 
ty, and  our  best  wishes  for  their  present  and  everlasting  welfare. 
'By  order  of  the  Convention, 

■  HEMAN  HUMPHREY,  Moderator. 
<WM.  R.  WEEKS,  Scribe: 

Remarks  enough  suggest  themselves  after  reading  this  docu- 
ment. But  we  shall  leave  our  readers  to  their  own  reflections. 
There  can  be  but  one  deep  feeling  of  regret  and  even  shame 
among  all  enlightened  Christians  at  the  disgrace,  which  such 
proceedings  as  we  have  here  recorded,  are  adapted  to  bring  on  our 
religion. 

Theological  School  in  Cambridge. — We  have  repeatedly  within 
the  past  year  borne  our  testimony  to  the  distinct  and  encouraging 
signs  of  improvement  exhibited  in  this  institution.     The  annual 


